Been There, Won That

Alfie Cox is undoubtedly the most successful off road motorcycle racer that South Africa has ever seen and has now transferred the same work ethic into running a successful motorcycle dealership.

- Reuben van Niekerk

The list of Alfie Cox victories is long and distinguished. Locally he won the Roof of Africa nine times along with multiple South African Enduro and off-road championships as a precursor to many international victories. He was the first winner of the very tough Erzberg Rodeo and completed numerous Dakar Rallys with a number of stage wins. He now runs a very successful KTM dealership with his family.

Where did your love for motorcycles and racing start?

When I was in school, my parents ran a taxi business so there wasn’t really any money for racing. I would help my friend Roley Stratemeyer prepare his motocross bike and act as his mechanic just because I wanted to be involved in the scene. When I was around 16, I left school to pursue a career as a motorcycle mechanic and eventually was able to save enough money to fund my own racing.

What was your first motorcycle?

A Honda 200R.

You have won myriad events and championships. What stands out for you as a highlight?

My goals changed as my career progressed but it was a great honour to get my national Springbok colours for motocross. The first Roof of Africa win was also very special. Unfortunately, because of the sanctions, we were not able to race internationally before 1992, and this was one of the reasons why I carried on racing for so long.

My first foray into international competition was the Six Days Enduro, which is like the Olympics of motorcycling; I won four gold medals. My first Dakar in 1993, where I finished fourth, was also a highlight.

Who do you regard as your toughest competitor locally and internationally?